Plashing

Plashing is a late medieval term for the traditional technique of hedge laying, and is a variant form of the word pleaching. It is done to improve or renewing a quickset hedge to form a thick, impenetrable barrier suitable for enclosing animals. Plashing is a key part of hedge maintenance as it keeps the lower parts of the hedge thick and dense, and was traditionally done every few years.

The stems of the existing hedging plants are split through the centre, bent over and interwoven to create a living fence. The plants rapidly regrow, forming a dense barrier along the entire length of the plashing.

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